SYKE – Cooperation to safeguard biodiversity

The Finnish Environment Institute SYKE – Cooperation to safeguard biodiversity We produce information for decision-makers to safeguard nature and the services it provides.

We offer our partners new solutions for nature management and restoration.

We support sustainable business that takes account of biodiversity.

policy makers and ministries, the authorities

Tools for decision-makers to safeguard biodiversitY

Deterioration in the threat status of habitat types and species is a key indicator of whether we can halt the loss of biodiversity that is threatening the globe. Assessments of threat status, coordinated by SYKE, have helped to reform legislation facilitating a more effective deceleration in the decline in biodiversity. The assessment results have also influenced the planning of land use and the targeting of nature management and conservation. This has enhanced the protection of sites such as forest habitats, mires in their natural state, and threatened species and their habitats. Finland is an internationally recognised pioneer in assessing threat status.

the authorities, businesses, regions

More attention to natural values in forest planning

Alongside their partners, SYKE and Parks & Wildlife Finland have used the Zonation software to evaluate the nature conservation value of Finnish forests – representing the first such exercise done on a nationwide basis. The results of the work will enable forest professionals to take better account of natural values in forest planning. In addition, land-use planners will be able to take account of the costs of different alternatives for promoting biodiversity.

Voluntary protection resources can also be targeted more cost-effectively, including in the METSO programme, by using the results provided by the Zonation software, which was developed by the University of Helsinki.

international partners

Nature conservation administration improved in Central Balkan countries

Central Balkan countries have lacked comprehensive information on local species and have had no established nature conservation practices. SYKE has supported the development of nature conservation administration in the Central Balkans, improved the authorities’ information resources and legislative capacity, and identified future nature conservation tasks. Supported by SYKE’s solid expertise on species, experts in Montenegro have mapped the country’s habitats and species. This work has safeguarded nature, promoted natural science and provided development opportunities for local nature professionals. Similar work will begin in Macedonia.

businesses and enterprises

Companies weighing up their impacts on nature

Several companies have decided to reduce their adverse impacts on nature, thanks to Master Class training, which has improved their ability to identify and mitigate adverse effects. At the same time, companies have identified the dependence of their businesses on natural ecosystem services. As many as 40 companies have attended the training, which was innovated, planned and implemented by SYKE alongside FIBS, Finland’s leading corporate responsibility network, in 2014–2017. SYKE has also implemented innovative environmental projects alongside the trained companies. They represent a range of business sectors, including transport, energy, industry, trade, finance and services.

citizens and non-governmental organizations

Finland’s Nature Day strengthens relationship with nature

Finland’s Nature Day celebrates our unique and beautiful nature, makes people aware of the value of nature and nurtures the Finnish people’s relationship with it. This extensive cooperation network has produced numerous events around the country, enabling hundreds of thousands of citizens to participate in celebrating the Nature Day. In 2017, Finland became the first country in the world to fly its national flag officially in honour of its natural environment. In fact, it has been proposed that Finland’s Nature Day, developed by SYKE, the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation and Metsähallitus, be established as a flag flying day.

decision-makers, the authorities

Effective methods for decision-makers in adapting to climate change

New tools are needed for adapting to climate change and safeguarding nature in a changing climate. SYKE and its partners have studied the effects of climate change on different groups of organisms, such as birds, butterflies and moths, and vascular plants. Based on the studies, Finland’s National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change has been improved and enhanced to respond more effectively to future changes. It has been found that the network of protected areas alleviates the adverse effects of climate change on the occurrence of species.

international partners

Barents Region protected area network secures Arctic nature

The Barents Region’s unique forest and mire nature is particularly valuable on a global scale. Increasing use of natural resources and climate change pose a serious threat to the northern nature of the area. Using SYKE’s GIS expertise, the authorities in Barents and environmental organisations have mapped ecologically valuable forest and coastal areas. The results are used in the monitoring of international nature conservation commitments, the development of the protected area network, and in adapting to climate change.

Some of the mapped areas have already been included in protected area plans.

Photos: Markus Sirkka, Jussi Palmen, Krista Kujala, Riku Lumiaro, Petri Jauhiainen, Olle Höjer.

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The Finnish Environment Institute SYKE is a national research institute that provides wide-ranging expertise.

Finnish Environment Institute SYKE | syke.fi | environment.fi |

16.1.2018